During America’s last presidential election, many secular media outlets focused on the need for change. Change is positive only if it corrects a wrong or moves us in a better direction. Christians need to be aware of current cultural trends and seek to ensure changes that are beneficial to society.
HendrickThe presidential contest of 2012 is shaping up to be one of the most contentious and important in American history. On one hand, a sitting president vigorously campaigns to protect his position. On the other hand, a number of candidates struggle to take the top position in the polls. With the South Carolina primary in January, we must know where each candidate stands on social and moral issues.
The national spotlight will be on the Palmetto State leading up to the January GOP primary. South Carolina Christians must be engaged in the process regardless of party affiliation. One thing we should all agree upon is the need to stand up for pro-life issues. The nation must hear our voice as we stand for those who cannot.
Southern Baptists focus on celebrating life every January. Although the special emphasis is scheduled on the third Sunday, pastors and church leaders often highlight pro-life issues several times during the month. One focal point has drawn the Christian community together for 39 years: the Stand Up for Life March and Rally.
The South Carolina Baptist Convention office of public policy, and the Christian Worldview Center and Joyful Sound (both of North Greenville University), have taken leadership roles in this key event for more than a decade. This year’s featured speaker is Abby Johnson, a remarkable young woman who, after running an abortion center in Austin, Texas, for eight years, resigned her management position to become a pro-life activist. She is the author of “unPlanned,” which details the inner workings of Planned Parenthood, the largest provider of abortions in the United States.
As the state’s largest denomination, South Carolina Baptists need to have a powerful presence at noon on Jan. 14 at the State House. We need to show the nation that social and moral issues matter to real people. We need to make a bold statement that life matters to Christians and it should matter to the person who leads our country. As you get ready to cast your ballot in January, June, and November, I encourage you to know where your candidate stands on these crucial issues.
– Hendrick is associate director of the office of public policy of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.